Upcoming Changes in Plastic Waste Management Rules 2025: Draft Amendment Highlights

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed major updates to India’s plastic waste laws through the Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2025. This draft notification, released in June 2025, aims to promote recycling, increase the use of recycled plastic materials, and encourage reuse of packaging — moving India closer to a circular plastics economy. Let’s look at the key changes, business impact, and what producers, importers, and brand owners need to prepare for.

Key Highlights of the Draft Plastic Waste Amendment 2025

Mandatory Use of Recycled Plastic in Packaging

The draft introduces minimum recycled-plastic content requirements in packaging materials across various categories. All Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) must ensure that a fixed percentage of their packaging is made using recycled materials. Proposed Targets:

Category I (Rigid Plastic Packaging)

• 2025-26: 30%
• 2026-27: 40%
• 2027-28: 50%
• 2028-29 onwards: 60%

Category II (Flexible Packaging)

• 2025-26: 10%
• 2026-27: 10%
• 2027-28: 20%
• 2028-29 onwards: 20%

Category III (Multilayered or Composite Packaging)

• 2025-26: 5%
• 2026-27: 5%
• 2027-28: 10%
• 2028-29 onwards: 10%

If any business faces technical or statutory limitations in achieving these goals, it may apply to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for exemption.

Reuse Requirements for Rigid Plastic Packaging

The amendment pushes for reusable packaging models to minimize waste generation. Brand owners using rigid plastic packaging (Category I) must meet gradual reuse targets based on packaging volume and application. Proposed Reuse Targets:

Rigid packaging ( 0.9 L/kg – 4.9 L/kg):

• 10% → 15% → 20% → 25% by 2028-29

Rigid packaging ≥ 4.9 L/kg (Drinking water):

• 70% → 75% → 80% → 85%

Rigid packaging ≥ 4.9 L/kg (Other products):

• 10% → 10% → 15% → 15%

This shift encourages refillable, returnable, and long-lasting packaging systems to reduce reliance on virgin plastic.

New Obligations for Importers and Brand Owners

• Importers must comply with the same recycled content and reuse standards as domestic producers.
• Recycled material already part of imported goods cannot be counted toward compliance.
• A centralized CPCB portal will be introduced for reporting, tracking, and certificate trading to balance shortfalls or surplus compliance.

Flexibility and Exemptions

• Businesses that cannot meet recycled-content targets in 2025-26 may carry forward shortfalls for up to three years.
• Exemptions are available for cases involving food-contact applications or technical infeasibility.
• CPCB will evaluate and approve such exemptions after due verification.

Impact on Businesses

The proposed amendment is a clear step toward stricter Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance. For companies dealing in plastic packaging, this means:

• Higher accountability in waste management.
• Transition to eco-friendly materials and sustainable designs.
• Need for robust tracking and reporting systems for compliance.
• Potential operational cost adjustments to incorporate recycled materials.
• Opportunity to build brand value through sustainability leadership.

Businesses that adapt early can position themselves as responsible, future-ready brands in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Steps to Prepare for Compliance

1. Assess Packaging Portfolio: Identify which categories of plastic packaging your company uses and their respective volumes.
2. Evaluate Recycled Content: Calculate your current recycled material percentage to benchmark future targets.
3. Plan Reuse Mechanisms: Explore refill or take-back programs, especially for rigid packaging.
4. Collaborate with Suppliers: Source high-quality recycled plastic to meet new requirements.
5. Set Up Internal Tracking Systems: Prepare for digital reporting on the CPCB portal.
6. Stay Updated: Monitor MoEF&CC and CPCB announcements for the final version of the amendment.